Hi everyone.

I am back from surgery. I went to Juarez, MX to Hospital Angeles to have my surgery performed by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. Everything went great! I can not say enough about how well I was treated. From the minute I got off the plan in El Paso the driver was waiting for me. He was nice as he coversated with me and my BFF the whole time driving in to Juarez, which took about 20-30 min. As soon as we got to the hospital Paulina and Lepita were waiting for me. I had my xrays then got settled in my room for the EKG, blood work, and IV. As I was getting prepped the doctors all came in to introduce themselves. The anaesthesiologist was so nice. she held my hand while she was talking to me and then gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. THe nurses were so gentle and caring. They treated my guest like a queen. THe male nurses that usually worked in the evening and overnight were all very attractive!!! Their English was a little shakey but it was easy to communicate with them. I barely remember anything as far as the surgery and recovery but a few hours later I was up walking with a little discomfort. Just felt a lot of pressure from the gas. Was a little uncomfortable to sleep so I got up and walked the halls. The hospital and the staff were top of the line. I was treated far better than I ever was in the US. I really have not one complaint!!!! Had my surgery April 2nd and I'm still a little sore and don't feel like doing a whole lot. Very tired from the time difference and the traveling. On top of a 5 hour flight, our flight was delayed on the runway for an hour and half coming home so we were very exhausted. I went to the drug store for some gas-x strips and then to the grocery store for some sugar free popsicles and broth. I had my 11 yr old daughter to help me with carrying everything. As far as hunger...I have some both physical and head hunger. It's going to be a challenge breaking those old habits of eating for comfort and coping, but I am feeling confident.

If anyone wants info about my experience please feel free to contact me.

Kat

Woo-hoo! Kat!!...take it easy and rest...I didn't and now I seriously regret it.

Rae

banded 3/31/08

Welcome back Kat and congratulations on your surgery. I was banded also on 4/2 and feel about the same as you described. I have not had a lot of hunger though-kind of worried because I dont want to eat. I have been taking in lots of fluids and do fine when I eat I just dont have the desire. Good luck to you.

Welcome home! So glad you are doing good!

3 weeks until surgery: I think I have lost my mind, because I am eating everything in sight. Two to 3 candy bars in a sitting…caramel pop corn, fast food…you name it! I think I am eating for all the days I won’t be able to eat. My weight at the last dr appointment was 250.5, but I’m sure I’ve gained at least 5 pounds during these pre surgery weeks, anticipating a life of limited calories. I’ve eaten so much that I have a constant heart burn and have resorted to using Tums several times per day. But I keep eating. I feel more out of control now than ever before, and at the same time, I feel calm, knowing without worry that this is the fattest I’ll ever be!

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All those feelings of being the fattest person in the room don’t bother me as much right now, because I know that in a few short weeks, I’ll start winning this lifelong battle with my weight.

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Pre op: The day before surgery, I had a bowl of Cereal for Breakfast, and then Clear liquids thereafter. At noon, I drank Phoso-soda to clear out my bowels. It worked within 40 minutes of drinking it, and I barely made it home from work to spend the rest of the afternoon on the toilet.

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Surgery day: I arrived at 6 am, was met by the nurse, dr, anesthesiologist, who made small talk for a few minutes before taking me back to the operating room. It was the first time I had ever walked into a surgical procedure without being wheeled in on a bed or wheelchair. Within a few minutes of placing the IV, I was asleep.

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The next thing I knew I was waking up, and my throat was sore and dry. I felt like I had strep throat. I looked at the nurse and told her I needed to pee. She helped me to the bathroom and watched, then helped me back to bed. I was very sleepy still.

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She helped dress me and called my husband over to bring me home. The ride home was mostly sleeping for me. I remember my husband calling family members to let them know I had come through ok, and I remember a few words with him, but mostly I slept. Also remember I must have done 1000 sit ups cause my stomach was really sore! He said I let out a nasty fart in my sleep that had him rolling down all the windows in the truck and laughed at the look on my face when he told me!

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When I got home, I went straight to bed. I took my prescribed medicine for nausea and pain every four hours through the night.

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Day 1 post op: I spent the day in bed sleeping and watching tv. I was able to drink Water with no restriction even though I took little sips. I began drinking a pre-digested amino acid goo which gives 18 grams of Protein in a one ounce liquid serving. My husband wanted to know WHO digested it? I think it was an old Billy-goat who did. It tastes horrible. ..just like it sounds…but it goes down fast with one swallow and it’s over.

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I am also sipping apple juice and a <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on">Capri</st1:place> Sun 100% juice pouch. I tried to drink some coffee, but was only able to get a few sips. Been waiting for the caffeine headache to hit me, but I’m good so far. I have moderate pain when moving or trying to sit up, get up, or down, but have no hunger. Have noticed little gas noises coming from my intestines.

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My stomach is really really swollen…looks like I’ve been stabbed 5 times, but there really isn’t much bruising other than the stab points. I just want to lay around in my nightie with no granny panties on to bother my wounds. Been taking my meds every 4 hours still and they knock me out.

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Day 2 post op: Well, today is Saturday. Horrible headache when first waking up! Took some baby Tylenol that tasted like grainy sugar…was worried it was too thick but it made it down and stayed!. Noticed I can move a lot easier today, though still have some pain getting up and down.

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My daughter is coming to watch movies all day. My stomach was growling really loudly and I think I was hungry for the first time, but it is hard to tell with the drugs and slight nausea I feel. I am going to hold off on the meds today unless I really need them…try to wean myself off before work on Monday.

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After drinking the predigested goo, the growling stopped. But wow, the gas is here! Gurgling and wiggling, I can feel each bubble in my intestine working it’s way down and out. I’ve never had gas like this in my life. I am not an open farter (though I live with a husband and two teenage boys that are). They would be shocked to know that I have been quietly farting under my blanket on the couch with the kick out for hours.

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I am continuing with the goo, water, apple juice and a <st1:place w:st="on">Capri</st1:place> Sun 100% juice pouch. I’m not sure if I would recommend inviting your funny daughter over for a movie day. She had me writhing in pain making me laugh so hard all day. I kept saying “ha ha, ow…ha haha…OW!” Still, I was able to manage with only 1 dose of medicine throughout the day.

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Day 3 post op: Soon after waking and getting drink of water, I needed to rush to the bathroom for my first bm! I’m very happy to be having one…maybe my intestines can take the day off today?

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I can’t stand the thought of not making good progress, so I stepped on the scale. I weigh 247! Not bad! I don’t think my obsession with the scale will go away anytime soon. I’ve been known to weigh myself 5 times a day. I also poke around my neck feeling for signs of collar bones. It’s an OCD thing for me when I lose weight. Maybe there will come a day when I don’t feel so crazy about these things?

I’m going to try to make it to the market today for a short trip for milk, eggs, bread, and some sugar free Jell-O and Miso Soup for me…

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…..Ever one step ahead of me, my dear husband swiped my ATM card conveniently before heading out to the Padres game. Called me on the way and said to stay put and just rest….gotta love him.

Congrats on your surgery! Glad to hear things went so well.